US Gen. Dan Caine looking for 'off-ramp' to avoid further escalation in Iran war - report

US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, has reportedly been privately searching for a way to extricate the United States from the Iran conflict, according to a recent CNN report based on interviews with multiple sources. Over the past few weeks, Caine has been voicing concerns to other advisors within the Trump administration that existing military options may not be sufficient to achieve President Trump's stated war objectives.

One source told CNN that Caine is actively seeking an "off-ramp" from the situation, as are several other officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President Joe Biden, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. These officials have reportedly engaged in discussions regarding interagency coordination, in an effort to communicate to President Trump the limitations of available military options during future meetings.

Caine's actions are believed to be an attempt to safeguard the military, according to one source. The US has avoided deploying ground troops in Iran, with President Trump suggesting that airstrikes alone would be sufficient to compel Iran to negotiate on the terms set by Washington. However, dwindling US stockpiles of key munitions may pose a challenge, as this could impair the military's capacity to counter Iranian retaliation if renewed airstrikes lead to further escalation, according to CNN sources.

Despite President Trump denying reports of a munitions shortage, multiple sources familiar with recent discussions assert that Caine and other officials privately view Trump's claims as improbable and are actively seeking alternative strategies that may still fulfill Trump's goals.

During a public hearing on the Iran conflict last month, General Caine informed lawmakers that "airpower has its limits," which has fueled suspicions that senior security officials suspect the conflict has reached a critical juncture. In late July, when President Trump suggested launching more aggressive strikes, Caine and other officials reportedly had reservations about the potential consequences.

While Caine has been candid with other officials about his concerns, he has reportedly been cautious in conveying his apprehensions to President Trump, according to several sources. In a recent meeting with Trump and other White House officials, Caine reportedly struck a balance between criticizing Trump's strategy and making it clear that, if further military operations were to take place, "we could absolutely wreck them," one source stated.